5 Key Values of the Millennial Generation

The Church in America is at a crossroads. It’s not the first that we’ve experienced, but it may be the most complex.

With culture shift, pluralism, the polarization of politics, and globalization taking root, many churches feel as though they’re holding on for dear life. In the middle of all this change, we also are experiencing a generational shift with the rise of Millennials (born 1981−2000).

U.S. Alliance President John Stumbo released a video blog in October about some key differences between Boomers and Millennials, the result of his five recent gatherings with young leaders across the country. John is passionate about churches being aware of generational differences and adapting when necessary to reach and release Millennials for Christ and His ministry.

This generational shift is a complex issue worthy of the many books being written. To continue the conversation, here are some key values of Millennials that shape the way they interact with church and faith.

1. Millennials value authenticity.

President Stumbo highlighted this value on his video blog. The September 2016 issue of Christianity Today addressed the topic as well in an article entitled “Put Away the Skinny Jeans.” It called churches to be “real” about what it means to follow Jesus, even when that’s hard. A style shift to look, sound, or feel “cooler” is missing the point.

Millennials can sniff out inauthenticity so quickly that a programmatic approach to get more hip might actually make Millennials less interested in church or the church’s leaders.

2. Millennials value good leadership.

While many Millennials may seem entitled and aimless, they hunger for good mentors and leaders. They have a huge need to understand “why” and to be connected relationally.

While meeting these needs might seem overly time consuming and pointless, if we are to hear Millennials well and welcome them into our communities, we must create space for relationship. Millennials follow good leaders who have established credibility through dialogue and relationship.

3. Millennials value purpose and will commit.

Yet they are often accused of flaking out and jumping from thing to thing every time the wind changes.

Part of this phenomenon is the result of a culture and parents who have told them: “Believe you can fly!” and “Wish upon a star!” Therefore, if their dreams don’t immediately come true, Millennials tend to jump to the next thing. But I’m not so sure they all want to.

In my experience, Millennials will stick around and produce a great deal of good work if they are led well in relationship and given clarity about why they are doing the work. So recognize that culture changes, and “long-term” commitment might not be as long as it used to be.

4. Millennials value discerning truth as a community.

This generation resists a top down, one-guy-telling-all-the-information way of learning. This doesn’t mean preaching is obsolete; it simply means the method of delivery might need to change. An honest search of the Scriptures in community will trump a motivational speech on Sunday mornings.

Anyone can search anything on YouTube and Google, which makes every person feel like an expert. Instead of trying to regain this position of expert, may we in the church create environments for mutual discernment and community that values Jesus and His Word as the authority.

5. Millennials value taking risks for the Kingdom.

The events of September 11, 2001, transformed the world to “live for today.” Additionally, access to information online and the ease of travel have contributed to Millennials being willing to go anywhere and do anything.

Some may see this risk-taking as unnecessary or, at best, naïve youthfulness. But the many young people we at Envision see going to the Middle East, willing to give it all for Jesus, may inject faith and passion into a church sometimes tempted to think just of itself and its own programs.

Conclusion

If we do not approach this and every new generation with the eyes of a missionary, seeking to learn and understand before we try to give answers, we risk losing the ability to communicate clearly with them. We also are in danger of losing the next generation of leaders.

I am not discouraged about this generation. In fact, I’m convinced that the Lord will use them to reach many for His Kingdom. Let us be courageous in the way we listen and lead in this new cultural frontier.

Learn More

Watch “Intergenerational Communication” with President John Stumbo. In this video blog he engages a live audience at the C&MA National Office, encouraging the generations to understand each others’ differing values.